Plan your career: Anthropologists take the road less travelled

Without a doubt, you are on a path that is less travelled. That is the uniqueness of anthropology. It attracts people who try to understand human behaviour holistically. Anthropology derives its meaning from Greek ‘anthropos’ meaning ‘man/human beings’. I am pretty sure that the subject would not have interested you if you have not known anything about it. The study of the origin of human species and its cultural and social structures are ever fascinating. 

As an anthropologist, you develop a wider perspective on specific questions and problems of humankind in a given context. Though the subject came into existence as a natural science, eventually it evolved into more technical and scientific study, not only about human society but also the human evolution, that covers the comparative study of several human similarities and differences. Anthropology has ‘four-field’ approaches that include Biological Anthropology, Archaeology, Socio-Cultural Anthropology and Linguistic Anthropology. There are many universities, including Madras University, and colleges across India, that offer Anthropology course. 

The post graduate courses are offered under humanities as M.A. Anthropology and M.A. Social Anthropology and in the science stream as M.Sc., Anthropology. In humanities, it concentrates on the aspects of culture, society and linguistics. In science, it is combined with human evolution. The specialisations offered are Prehistoric Anthropology, Visual, Physical, Socio-cultural, Linguistic, Applied, Business, Forensic and Medical Anthropology. For example, Cognitive Anthropology delves into cultural expertise and knowledge embedded in words, stories, artifacts that are learned and shared by other human beings. Due to lack of knowledge, the subject was never a major attraction as a career option. 

Anthropology “described as the most scientific of the humanities and the most humanistic of the sciences” is a self-satisfying discipline that leads to a variety of job opportunities. Jobs directly related include Non-Governmental Organisations, community development, national and international aid works, government departments, particularly Anthropological Survey of India, which is one of the major government employers; teaching, market and social research, museums, conservation, heritage management, etc., There are also many non-direct job prospects such as health care, counseling and print media related to science. 

Anthropology graduates also quite commonly pursue a career in civil service. International organisations like United Nations Organizations, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNESCO and UNICEF are good options. Definitely, Universities abroad have a holistic and serious approach to anthropological study than in India and career opportunities are also brighter overseas for anthropologists. Speaking about anthropologists, the American anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only that ever has.” As an anthropologist, you ascend to this influential group.